Taking vitamin E or selenium supplements did not prevent dementia in asymptomatic older men, research published in JAMA Neurology has found. Oxidative stress has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, but it is unknown whether the use of antioxidant supplements can prevent dementia.

The Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease by Vitamin E and Selenium (PREADViSE) trial was piggybacked onto a larger randomised controlled trial looking at the antioxidant effects of selenium and vitamin E on the incidence of prostate cancer. The parent trial started in 2002 but was stopped in 2009 after a planned futility analysis showed no effects on prostate cancer incidence. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details